209 Stainless Steel Pipe (Nitronic 50 / XM-19) – Ultra-High Strength & Seawater Resistance
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209 stainless steel pipe delivers 2× yield of 316L, PREN 34, full non-magnetic. Buy genuine Nitronic 50 / XM-19 pipe from global suppliers – instant quote.
Premium 209 stainless steel pipe (Nitronic 50) with mirror-polished finish
Introduction
When your project demands the ultimate blend of strength, corrosion resistance and ductility, 209 stainless steel pipe (UNS S20910, Nitronic® 50, XM-19) stands alone. This nitrogen-strengthened austenitic grade achieves twice the yield strength of 316L while maintaining full non-magnetic properties and superior pitting resistance in seawater. From offshore pump shafts to aerospace fasteners, 209 stainless steel pipe gives you near-duplex performance without the welding headaches. Discover why leading 209 stainless steel pipe suppliers worldwide are switching to genuine Nitronic 50 for mission-critical applications.
What is 209 Stainless Steel Pipe? (Nitronic 50 / XM-19 / UNS S20910)
209 stainless steel pipe is a high-nitrogen, manganese-rich austenitic alloy originally developed for marine fasteners. Its balanced chromium (20–22 %) and molybdenum (1.5–3.0 %) content provides pitting resistance comparable to 316L, while 0.15–0.40 % nitrogen boosts yield strength above 55 ksi (380 MPa)—far exceeding conventional austenitic grades. Unlike duplex alloys, Nitronic 50 remains fully austenitic after heavy cold work, ensuring non-magnetic properties essential for electronics and MRI equipment. Compared with 316L, 317L, 904L, 2205 duplex or AL-6XN, 209 stainless steel properties include better impact toughness at cryogenic temperatures and simpler welding without post-weld heat treatment.
Chemical Composition (% by mass, balance Fe)
| Element | 209 (Nitronic 50) | 316L |
|---|---|---|
| C | ≤0.06 | ≤0.03 |
| Si | ≤1.0 | ≤1.0 |
| Mn | 4.0–6.0 | ≤2.0 |
| P | ≤0.04 | ≤0.045 |
| S | ≤0.03 | ≤0.03 |
| Cr | 20.0–22.0 | 16.0–18.0 |
| Ni | 11.5–13.5 | 10.0–14.0 |
| Mo | 1.5–3.0 | 2.0–3.0 |
| N | 0.15–0.40 | ≤0.10 |
Technical Specifications & Mechanical Properties
- Types: Seamless & welded pipe, heavy-wall available
- Size Range: OD 6 mm – 762 mm (NPS 1/8" – 30"); WT up to 60 mm (Sch 5S – Sch 160)
- Standards: ASTM A312, A358, A790, A928, API 5LC, NORSOK M-650
- Surface: Pickled & passivated, polished 180–600 grit, brushed HL, 8K mirror
- Lengths: 5.8 m, 6 m random or custom cut (≤12 m)
Room & Elevated Temperature Mechanical Properties
| Condition | Tensile (ksi) | Yield 0.2 % (ksi) | Elongation % | Hardness HRB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annealed | ≥100 | ≥55 | ≥35 | ≤95 |
| 20 % Cold-worked | ≥145 | ≥125 | ≥20 | ≤30 HRC |
| 400 °C | ≥90 | ≥50 | ≥30 | ≤28 HRC |
| -196 °C | ≥175 | ≥140 | ≥45 | ≤35 HRC |
Charpy V-Notch Impact Values
| Temperature | J (ft·lb) |
|---|---|
| 20 °C | ≥120 (≥88) |
| -40 °C | ≥100 (≥74) |
| -196 °C | ≥80 (≥59) |
209 stainless steel pipes in seamless and welded execution, polished and pickled finishes
Outstanding Advantages of 209 Stainless Steel Pipe
- Yield Strength ≈ 2× that of 316L – Allows significant weight/thickness reduction, lower freight cost.
- PREN 33–36 – Excellent pitting & crevice corrosion resistance in seawater and chloride environments.
- Superior Resistance to Chloride SCC – No failure in 1000-hour ASTM G36 tests.
- Exceptional Galling and Wear Resistance – Extends service life in fasteners and sliding parts.
- Service Temperature -196°C to +400°C – Cryogenic toughness plus high-temperature strength.
- Remains Fully Non-Magnetic Even After Severe Cold Deformation – Ideal for electronics, MRI and submarine components.
Key Applications & Industries
- Marine & Offshore: Pump shafts, valve stems, seawater piping, rigging hardware – proven 10-year seawater exposure.
- Oil & Gas Downhole Tooling: Drill collars, MWD/LWD tools, subsea umbilicals exposed to H₂S/CO₂.
- Chemical & Petrochemical Processing: Heat-exchanger coils, sulfuric-acid piping, chloride scrubbers.
- Pulp & Paper: Digester components, bleach plant piping, screen baskets.
- Food & Pharmaceutical High-Strength Sanitary Piping: Non-magnetic, cleanable, high-strength conveyors.
- Aerospace and Military Hardware: Non-magnetic bolts, landing-gear components, missile launcher parts meeting AMS 5764.
209 stainless steel pipe installed in offshore seawater cooling system
Manufacturing Process & Strict Quality Control
- Electric-Arc Furnace + VOD/AOD Refining – Exact chemistry, ultra-low inclusion content.
- Continuous Casting & Forging – 250 mm billets for uniform grain structure.
- Hot Piercing & Pilgering (Seamless) – Cold-drawn to ±0.05 mm OD tolerance; heavy-wall up to 60 mm.
- HF Welding (ERW) – Strip edges heated and forged; 100 % online UT weld inspection.
- Cold Drawing & Sizing – Achieve ±0.05 mm OD, ±8 % WT; 600G mirror polish optional.
- Solution Annealing – 1,100 °C in pure H₂ for restored corrosion resistance and bright BA finish.
- QC Testing – Spectrometer, tensile, flattening, flare, hydrostatic pressure, intergranular corrosion per ASTM A763 ensure every 209 stainless steel pipe meets specification.
Packaging & Global Logistics
- End Caps: Plastic or rubber caps on both ends to protect bevels.
- Outer Wrap: 0.1 mm PE film + 0.2 mm VCI paper + knitted sleeve.
- Bundling: Hexagonal bundle with 4–8 steel straps, 3×3 wooden sleepers.
- Marking: Heat number, size, weight, standard, production date on outer bundle tag.
- Shipping: 20 ft or 40 ft container, average 22 tons payload; same-day loading on stock items.
Why Choose Our 209 Stainless Steel Pipe?
✅ Authorized Distributor of Genuine Nitronic® 50 – UNS S20910 certified melt source.
✅ Full Material Traceability & EN 10204 3.1/3.2 Certificates – Supplied free with every shipment.
✅ Third-Party Inspection – Lloyd’s, DNV, ABS, TÜV available on request.
✅ Custom Services – Precision cutting, beveling, threading, polishing in-house.
✅ Fast Worldwide Delivery & Export Packaging – 3,000 t stock; 5-day FOB to 120+ ports; DDP available.
Heavy-duty export packaging – eye-to-sky, waterproof, steel strapped, ready for ocean freight
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the difference between 209 and 316L stainless steel pipe?
A: 209 (Nitronic 50) offers twice the yield strength, better pitting resistance (PREN 34) and remains non-magnetic, while 316L has lower alloy cost but cannot match strength or galling resistance.
Q2: Is 209 stainless steel pipe (Nitronic 50) magnetic?
A: Essentially non-magnetic; permeability <1.005 even after severe cold working.
Q3: Can 209 pipe be used in continuous seawater service?
A: Yes, PREN ≈ 34, proven 10-year immersion tests at 30 °C without pitting; outperforms 316L in ASTM G48.
Q4: What welding consumables are recommended?
A: Use ER209 (AWS A5.9) or commercially “Nitronic 50” filler; no pre-heat or post-weld heat treatment required.
Q5: Why is 209 more expensive than 316L?
A: Higher alloy content (Cr, Mo, N) and specialized melting raise cost, but strength gain allows thinner sections, often reducing total project cost.
Q6: Maximum operating temperature and pressure ratings?
A: Continuous 400 °C, intermittent 800 °C; pressure rating follows ASME B31.3 up to Class 600.
Q7: Do you supply Nitronic 50 pipe in custom heavy-wall thickness?
A: Absolutely – seamless heavy-wall up to 60 mm WT, precision cold-drawn or hot-expanded.
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